Mathematical Sciences (DMS) Discoveries

NSF's public investment in science, engineering, education and technology helps to create knowledge and sustain prosperity. Read here about the Internet, microbursts, Web browsers, extrasolar planets, and more... a panoply of discoveries and innovations that began with NSF support.

Showing: 1-16 of 16 | Search Discoveries

		Klein Bottle is a Real Natural in the Zoo of Geometric Shapes Discovery could advance understanding of human vision and lead to powerful data compression techniques Released  October 7, 2008
		Math Could Aid in Curing Cancer Scientists and medical doctors couple math and medicine for unusual, promising marriage Released  August 4, 2008
		The Man Behind Amazing Movie Simulations He may not be as famous as Johnny Depp or Jessica Alba, but Oscar-winner Ron Fedkiw creates 3-D models of liquids that have had a major impact on Hollywood and our lives Released  July 24, 2008
		Cloaking Device Concept Moves Beyond Theory Applied mathematician Graeme Milton brings the dream of cloaking devices portrayed in "Star Trek" and "Harry Potter" closer to reality Released  June 18, 2008
		Engineers Create Better Fix for Broken Jaws Computer finite element modeling program used by University of New Mexico engineers in designing smaller and lighter plates for jaw repair surgery Released  May 13, 2008
		Using Abstract Mathematics to Solve Real-World Problems Researcher's mathematical theory used in new technologies to destroy cancerous tumors Released  March 5, 2008
		2007: Year in Review A look back at some of the NSF-supported advances and activities reported last year Released  January 30, 2008
		A Mathematical Solution for Another Dimension New tool could drive breakthroughs in several disciplines Released  March 19, 2007
		A Link Between Rainfall and Magnetism They are nothing alike--except for their underlying mathematics Released  June 29, 2006
		A Better Algorithm for Detecting Cancer Genes Process detects known cancer-related genes as well as new ones Released  May 12, 2006
		Crystal Sieves, Born Anew Hard data resolves decades-old mystery of how certain zeolites form Released  April 17, 2006
		Double Soap Bubbles: Proof Positive of Optimal Geometry What do dish soap, an ancient question, a team of mathematicians and their ingenious proof of the Double Bubble Conjecture have to do with solving 21st century optimization problems? Plenty. Released  October 7, 2004
		350 Years Later, Fermat's Last Theorem Finally Proved In the 1630s, Pierre de Fermat set a thorny challenge for mathematics with a note scribbled in the margin of a page. More than 350 years later, mathematician Andrew Wiles finally closed the book on Fermat's Last Theorem. Released  September 21, 2004
		Detecting Hidden Groups on the Internet In the free-form clamor of the Internet's discussion groups and other public forums, researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute want to listen for the whispers of groups trying to stay hidden. Released  July 30, 2004
		Triangles, Not Circles, Make Optimal Faucets It had long been assumed that circular nozzles, such as those used by ink-jet printers to deposit tiny droplets of ink, were the best shapes for the job. Now, mathematicians at Harvard University have shown that triangular may be the way to go. Released  July 30, 2004
		Improving Fire Forecasts Can mathematics help prevent forest fires? It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. A statistician has combined unprecedented amounts of historical and environmental data to create statistical models that promise more accurate estimates of fire hazards. Released  July 21, 2004